12/16/1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 1996 Mr. Wessel added that Staff has worked with all of the landowners in this area to ensure maximum utilization of the land for both light industrial and commercial development. Issues such as roads, utilities, regional ponding, wetland mitigation, and reduction of the flood plane are all under way, and programs will be implemented. Mr. Schreier owns most of the land through which the proposed road will be constructed. When the road is completed, his land will have become the most valuable commercial area in the eastern portion of Lino Lakes. Mr. Wessel stated that a development plan for the small corner piece of property at the intersection of Otter Lake Road and Main Street is the driving force behind the realignment project. A convenience center/gas station and Culver's restaurant are proposed for that corner, and they wish to begin construction in the summer of 1997. Mr. Wessel concluded that both he and Mr. Schreier were available to answer questions. Council Member Lyden noted that this road issue is multi -faceted. He expressed concern that by reducing the paved area from 36 feet to 32 feet along with the proposed quality through sub -base issues, the adequacy of the road would be compromised. He asked Mr. Powell what action could be taken to ensure that the new road would be more than adequate. Mr. Powell responded that the road as proposed will be more than adequate. He explained that TKDA incorporated a more commercial/industrial type use with the BorMor and other similar businesses locating in this area. Following discussion with the City Engineer, it was determined that the City's marketing efforts were directed more toward convenience/retail development, having a significant impact on the type of vehicles which will use the roadway. Mr. Powell explained that a retail development would generate a much lighter type of vehicle use, while the heavy, multi -axle trucks that might be used in connection with industrial development would tend to cause damage to roadways. He stated that he feels a 32 -foot wide pavement is adequate, and that the assumed soil strength is consistent with that used by TKDA in areas similar to the subject area based upon information from Braun Engineering. Council Member Lyden asked about the life expectancy of the proposed road. Mr. Powell responded that the proposed road has a life expectancy of 20 years. Council Member Lyden then asked if there is any possible action the City could take at this time toextend this life expectancy beyond 20 years. Mr. Powell explained that a heavier road section could be installed; however, he suggested that there would then be diminishing returns. He added that if the road is monitored, at a critical time perhaps 15 years in the future an overlay could extend the life of the road. He also indicated that seal coating in accordance with a road management program could help in this regard. Council Member Lyden asked about trails along Clearwater Creek, and whether or not the proposed roadway is consistent with the planned trail system. Mr. Powell explained that his understanding of the trail system in this area is that it is focused on the ponding areas and along Clearwater Creek. The existing Otter Lake Road is a rural section where there is pavement, no curb, and road shoulders that drop off, which does not lend itself to an adjacent trail system. Such a trail system would require building up the shoulder to the level of the roadway and having the trail located too close to the road itself. Mr. Powell suggested that a trail corridor could be included in the grading of the service road. He added that he and the Parks Director continue to discuss this matter as the Clearwater Creek business area develops in order to make sure trails are incorporated, where appropriate, into the planning area.